A tragic shooting at a convenience store in the US state of Virginia has claimed the lives of a 56-year-old man of Indian origin and his 24-year-old daughter, as per a report by PTI. One individual has been taken into custody in connection with the case. Both of them were working at the store in Accomack County when the attack happened. Authorities have arrested the suspect and investigations are going on, as per the US media report. The victims, identified as Pradipkumar Patel and his daughter were at the workplace on the Lankford Highway when the incident took place in the early morning of March 20. Accomack County Sheriff’s Office stated that deputies responded to an emergency call at 5:30 am related to a shooting at the location, as per Shore Daily news.
Suspect arrested
After reaching the accident site, officers found the male suffering from gunshot wounds and was unresponsive. A search of the premises led to the discovery of a female victim who was also severely injured. That man was declared death on the scene while the woman was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where she later lost her life because of the injuries.
Authorities have confirmed the arrest of 44-year-old George Frazier Devon Wharton of Onancock on March 21. He is currently detained without bond in Accomack Jail. Sheriff W. Todd Wessells stated that Wharton has been charged on account of first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, attempted murder, and more. No motive has been revealed yet behind the gruesome act.
Family and Indian American community shocked
Paresh Patel, the owner of the store and a relative of the victims informed local station WAVY-TV, ‘’My cousin’s wife and her father were working this morning when someone came in and shot them. I don’t know what to do,’’ as quoted by PTI.
The incident has caused deep sorrow among the Indian-American community, with many having expressed shock and condolences on the social media platform Facebook.
With inputs from PTI)